State of the Union

The big news in our house this week centers around Claire. She has kicked her diaper habit and is now wearing 'big girl underwear.' We couldn't be happier. She filled up a sticker chart over the past week and got a special treat from the store. She picked a Theodore doll and is working towards Simon with her next chart.

Just a shot of Claire playing in the rain

Our sitter texted me this photo of Kyle on Friday. He looks way too big here to be my little guy. I couldn't believe he sat on this truck!

I looked back at the blog to see what Claire was up to at 8 months and came across a video of her playing with pots and pans. I gave some to Kyle this weekend and he was a big fan. I always need ways to entertain him while I make meals.

On Saturday we had the opportunity to go to a Barack Obama fundraiser. Thanks to Mimi, who babysat, Lucian, Spen and I could go. I have never seen a president (past or present) in person, so I was pretty excited. We had very close seats and, you know, he looks just like he does on TV;)

The Park

I consider this a picture post. We met Claire's friend Sydney at the park Sunday morning. The weather was perfect and Lucian was in a photo taking mood:)

Claire is 3!

Our sweet Claire Brooke turned 3 on Sunday. Where does the time go? Claire is a passionate, driven and smart girl. She can talk up a storm and definitely knows what she wants. When asked what kind of cake she wanted this year, she said a frog cake. I was expecting an answer like chocolate, but frogs it was. It gave me a theme for the party, however.

We had family over on Sunday to celebrate. Kyle made sure he was well rested for the party.

I made some tissue paper lily pads as decorations.

Claire cried when we all started to sing and asked if we could be quieter. We all whispered happy birthday to her and then I had to blow out her candles. Little stinker.

One of Claire's favorite gifts was the book Shoo Fly. She loves to read it at daycare, and can recite the story herself. It is out of print and hard to track down. Thank goodness for ebay!

 Hugging Alvin the chimpmunk.

A rare group shot.

And an ever rarer entire family shot!

 The party continued Monday at daycare. Claire brought cookies for a treat and had a candle and a crown. She was loving it.

The Amazing Race